Neil Young - Like a Hurricane Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and why did Neil Young write 'Like a Hurricane'?

   Neil Young wrote 'Like a Hurricane' in July 1975 while he was recovering from surgery on his vocal cords and was unable to speak. Despite this, he was inspired and started writing the song during an outing with friends.

2. What is the inspiration behind 'Like a Hurricane'?

   Neil Young was inspired to write 'Like a Hurricane' after feeling an intense attraction to a woman named Gail, whom he met at a bar. Despite not going home with her, the experience led to a creative outburst where he quickly composed the song's melody.

3. How was the recording process for 'Like a Hurricane'?

   The song was recorded with Young's band Crazy Horse on his ranch, where they struggled for 10 days to get the right sound. The breakthrough came when guitarist Poncho Sampedro switched to a simple chord pattern on the Stringman keyboard, leading to the final take.

4. What are the notable performances and releases of 'Like a Hurricane'?

   'Like a Hurricane' has been a staple in Neil Young's concerts, appearing on live albums such as 'Live Rust,' 'Weld,' and 'Unplugged.' An edited version was released as a single in August 1977. The song is also featured in compilations such as 'Decade' and 'Greatest Hits.'

5. Is there an acoustic version of 'Like a Hurricane'?

   Yes, Neil Young recorded a popular acoustic version of 'Like a Hurricane' for his 1993 MTV Unplugged appearance. This rendition was performed almost entirely on a pump organ and received significant acclaim, helping introduce the song to a new generation of fans.

6. What similarities does 'Like a Hurricane' have with Del Shannon's 'Runaway'?

   Neil Young noted that 'Like a Hurricane' shares a chord progression with Del Shannon's song 'Runaway.' Specifically, both songs feature a minor descending progression that 'opens up,' with 'Runaway' doing so in the bridge and 'Like a Hurricane' in its main structure.